MLS star produces goal of the season candidate with Paul Scholes-esque effort

13 July 2023 , 13:25

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San Jose's Miguel Trauco connects with the Cristian Espinoza corner kick from a full volley at the top of the box (Image: @MLS/Twitter)

Supporters have been treated to a host of audacious strikes in MLS this month, with the most recent example coming from unlikely source in the form of a Paul Scholes-esque volley.

It was a night of spectacular efforts in the US league, with Chicago Fire's Xherdan Shaqiri also rolling back the years with a typically clever free-kick routine to dispatch a long-range shot past CF Montreal's goalkeeper. Not to be upstaged by the Swiss international's heroics, however, San Jose Earthquakes' Miguel Trauco scored a second goal-of-the-season contender of the evening versus Seattle Sounders.

The Peruvian left-back is not exactly known for his goalscoring prowess and had previously found the net on just 11 occasions in an extensive career that has taken him to Brazil, France and the US. He does seem to be experiencing a purple patch in this regard, though, having scored once already this season.

The collector's item was certainly one to remember, with his crisp volley sailing past the opposition goalkeeper following a Cristian Espinoza corner kick.There are few better sights in football than a first-time volley from a corner kick hitting the back of the net and Sounders stopper Stefan Cleveland was left with very little chance of saving the effort as soon as it left Trauco's boot.

The well-worked routine was Espinoza's second goal involvement of the fixture, with the former Boca Juniors man having previously opened the scoring. The influential star has 11 goals in 23 MLS appearances this term so far and has been one of the league's best players in 2023.

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The move was clearly one that was straight off the training ground, with the screamer putting the result beyond doubt to earn the Californian outfit all three points. The strike also put to an end a five game winless streak for the team.

Although a left-footed effort, the goal was reminiscent of midfield maestro Scholes at his best for Manchester United, with the former England man having had a penchant for strikes from range during his career. Supporters with longer memories will recall his piledrivers from the edge of the box from corners versus Bradford City and Aston Villa during his glittering career.

San Jose's Miguel Trauco connects with the Cristian Espinoza corner kick from a full volley at the top of the box (@MLS/Twitter)

The 2-0 victory over the team from Washington State meant that the Quakes consolidated their position towards the top end of MLS' Western Conference. A major result against the third-placed team in the league meant that Luchi Gonzalez's players have put themselves in a very strong position to qualify for the MLS Final Series.

Now sitting in fifth place in the standings after 23 rounds, they will fancy their chances of making the playoffs despite nearest challengers Austin FC, FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo sitting within touching distance, having played a game less. With the standings very tight currently, the win over Seattle means they are now within three points of the Rave Green .

The Californians will be hoping to use this return to winning ways as a springboard now, especially with games to come against opposition below them in the table in due course. Their next three fixtures see them face off against Vancouver, Sporting Kansas City and rivals the LA Galaxy.

Tom Beattie